Manchester City defender John Stones insists hoofing the ball clear isn't beneath manager Pep Guardiola.

Stones insists he is happy to do the “dirty work" despite gaining a reputation as being a classy ball-playing centre-half.

He said: “Of course I would put the ball into Row Z, at the right time.

“From last season to the start of this season I'm realising when to do it.

“That's where I believe I have come on quite a lot as a player. I was doing things before and then afterwards I would think, 'Why have I done that? Why haven't I just put it out in Row Z?'

“Already I can see a difference in my decision-making. We can all regroup from putting it in Row Z sometimes. Against West Ham on Sunday, I did it a few times.

“I have always done that, and like to carry on doing that.

“Go back to the point of staying true to myself, but I am a defender, and that's what I want to be known as well."